Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

[Tesla]

I have the typical Andy Timmons setup (Cruiser - Cruiser - AT-1) in my Strat but I find that the Cruiser Pickups lack output to really compete with the AT-1. Flicking the pickup selector switch from bridge to neck pickup feels almost like an amp channel switch. Which single coil pickups would work well with the AT-1? I don't care if they're noiseless, stacked, humbuckers in single coil format etc., the only things I care about are the output (should somewhat match the AT-1 pickup, so that there's not a huge volume difference between the pickups) and the tone...

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

Flicking the pickup selector switch from bridge to neck pickup feels almost like an amp channel switch.

That's the whole point, actually.

 

[Tesla]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

I'm sure that's what Andy intended, but it's not suitable for my playing style. I would need two single coils that match the AT-1 output a bit better. I don't need that channel switching effect via pickup switch, I'd prefer to do that with the channel switcher.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

Have you tried adjusting your pickup heights, or you'd prefer not to do that with a screwdriver?

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

The JB Jr might be a good match for the neck position.

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

The cruisers are the DiMarzio lowest output rail pickups. Moving to the fast track 1s or to choppers might be more to your liking, if you like the rail version.

Otherwise, you could try the area 61s or the virtual vintage blues models.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[vjm]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

I use Air Norton S with my AT1 and love it.

 

[Archer250]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

Have you tried adjusting your pickup heights, or you'd prefer not to do that with a screwdriver?

This.

Seriously, OP, you should have little trouble doing this. Andy has his AT-1 flush with the pickguard and his Cruisers a bit higher. I use hand wound 5.6k A5 singles with the AT-1 and can easily get the output to closely match. I don't do it however, because it defeats the point of a HSS guitar.

 

[Hank-]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

Injector neck would be better output wise, these are hotter than area61 but still in the single coil zone. I have the cruiser bridge in the neck, much lower output than the stock single coil it replaced in my godin session & raising it way too close to the strings also doesn't help cause the attack gets weird.

 

[Tesla]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

Have you tried adjusting your pickup heights, or you'd prefer not to do that with a screwdriver?

I wouldn't ask for advice here if I didn't already try out various wirings and height adjustments. I actually really wanted the Cruiser + AT-1 setup to work for me, but I have to give up and look for different single coils.

I can't raise the Cruiser height without getting a weird attack response and I can't lower the AT-1 without compromising the tone I'm getting out of it right now.

And I do know that some HSS guitars have that channel switching effect built in, but most of the Suhr, Fender etc. HSS strats that I've played are much more balanced than the Cruiser AT-1 setup so I'm not quite sure if all manufacturers would agree that the huge output difference should be a hallmark of a HSS guitar.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

I had a alder super strat with a maple top and maple neck with rosewood board that had an At1, Area 67 middle and Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues II neck. I had no issues at all with balanced volume. I called up DImarzio and Steve B. recommended that set to me. Was a killer setup and I think would remedy your issue.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

You can check out the Custom Flat Strat, which should have enough output to compete. They are powerful, and get a great beefy strat sound to compete with humbuckers. If you get the middle rw/rp, you can have noiseless operation when both single coils are on.

 

[IMENATOR]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

YJM Fury Neck STK-S10n, it is more versatile than you would think


Edit: I use it along with a JB in the bridge, IMHO it balances volume with the JB and I like the tone contrast a lot as it really has a single coil vibe to it, not vintage really.

 

[Archer250]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

Just stick an Injector, a Chopper, or, I dunno, an SSL-5?

I set my PUs (AT-1 and 2 low-output singles) so that I get the sound I want from each PU. There's a very noticeable volume difference, obviously, so I just use the neck single coil for cleans and the bridge for dirt.

 

[IMENATOR]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

Have you tried adjusting your pickup heights, or you'd prefer not to do that with a screwdriver?

That should really fix it, I have seen videos of andy's guitar and he sets the pickup a bit lower so you should have enough "room" to rise it.


Edit: Sorry, I just read you already tried that and don't like the sound.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Need some Single Coils to complement the DiMarzoi AT-1

Am I being a member or just mildly inconvenient? Sorry dude, I'm just provocative like that at times.

Tell you what, there are many ways to slice a HSS. Here's what you can do to equalize pickup volumes:
For starters, pick some of the hottest single-sized pickups and match them with moderate output humbuckers. The AT1 checks; I'm thinking a pair of Choppers, SDS-1s, Virtual Solos, something along these lines could work.

Seymour Duncan offers a selection of high output strat pickups in all flavors, including true single coils like the Hot Strat and Quarter Pounders, stacks, rails, single-sized-humbuckers like the aforementioned JB Jr, the Little 59, Demon et al. Given how the AT1 is emulating the JB, the tone compatibility should be excellent. Take a look.

Sometimes you can get away with filling the middle and/or neck positions with a bridge model pickup. High resistance volume potentiometers (500kΩ) will help the top end, so you're good to go. Supposedly, Mr. Timmons himself does that but he also cranks the **** up till his power tubes sizzle and plays like he means it. Nobody minds his channel switching habits, really.

All in all, with a bit of thought, a HSS set up can be pretty well balanced, just keep in mind it's not an intrinsic feature as it would be on an all-single or dual humbucker situation.